Monday, May 04, 2015

A week is a long time in politics, in
knitting, in life.

My husband is in the Western Infirmary
with a chest infection. He has a chronic lung condition, pulmonary
fibrosis; an infection on top of that is not good news. He subsided last Thursday, even feebler than usual, lacking in
appetite. By Friday morning he was clearly in need of help. I phoned
the GP. A member of the practice (not known to us, but efficient and
wonderful, rather like Hellie Ogden, this year's bride) came promptly
and referred him equally promptly to hospital.

Where he is making progress. But this
is the fourth day on which he has been totally immobile. Getting up
and on his feet again is going to be tough. A dr told him yesterday
that he would be there for about a week. They told me “a few days”,
and promised conversations about physiotherapy before they released
him.

Clearly life is about to lurch
downwards again.

Our dear friend G. emailed me last
night about getting a proxy vote for my husband (=General Election on
Thursday, easy to overlook). I thought it was too late, but I've
google'd it and she's right, you can get an Emergency Proxy Vote
right up until late on polling day, somehow or other. I've emailed
them. I'll phone if they don't respond promptly. The proxy has to be
a registered voter, so it'll have to be G. and not, alas, me.

G. and I agree on how the vote should be cast, namely for our excellent constituency MP, Mark
Lasarowicz (Labour). It remains to be seen whether my husband can be
persuaded to agree. He has never voted Labour in his life, nor would
I have ever previously recommended it, but this is an extraordinary
election.

Alexander says that he has never voted
for a serious party in his life – I would suspect that the
Monster Raving Loonies might appeal to him. But this time he will
bite the bullet and vote Lib Dem in Argyll.

The point being, to vote against the
SNP. There you are: I have nailed my colours to the mast.

An odd thing about this election –
there is no sign of it in the streets around us here in Edinburgh, no
posters in anybody's windows. For the Referendum, “Yes's” and
“No's” were everywhere. For previous general elections, there was
always a fair amount, including notices on the lampposts. Now,
nothing. In the country last weekend – goodness, was it only last
weekend? – we saw quite a bit of SNP.

As for knitting, I finished the 4th
pocket square while we were in a&e at the Western on Friday, and
made some progress with the 5th. I have done no knitting
since, nor much of anything else.

36 comments:

My thoughts are with you. With respect to the proxy vote - is there a polling station in the hospital on the day? (if so your husband may be able to cast his own vote if the emergency application does not work.)

What a sensible idea! However in the UK if you have not previously registered for a postal vote you can only vote in the Polling Station noted on your voting card as they will be the only place to have your details. The proxy vote is the only alternative.

This is indeed an extraordinary election Jean and one to stay up for. Sending you and your husband good wishes. I am always surprised how visiting hospital twice a day is such hard and tiring work so please take good care of yourself too.

Echoing the good wishes of other followers. It might be a good idea to consult an Occupational Therapist and ask for a home visit to see if there is any equipment or arrangements which would better assist your husband on his return. These need to be in place before he arrives. Perhaps a Personal Care Assistant too.Please do take care of yourself. In order to care for your husband you have to be in good order - trying to do too much is the surest way of undoing everything.Best wishes, Helen

Just what I was about to say. When I was a hospital social worker, we used these moments to help the family get additional help in the home. Sometimes hearing the news from a a "professional" and not family makes it easier to accept. A personal care Assistant, or whatever they are called in your country could make a huge difference for both of you. Take good care of yourself, as well as him.

Knitting is a comfort in such situations, but I am sorry it has be used for this. Echoing all of the others in taking care of yourself, the professionals are caring for your husband. I have been listening to news of the election with great interest.

Jean, another soul here thinking of you and your husband. Election does indeed seem strange this time 'round. Canada's national newspaper's map on Saturday, of predicted results, did show a little core of Labour seats centred 0n Edinburgh, surrounded by a sea of SNP. Will watch with keen interest.- Beth in Ontario

Jean, thank you for taking the time to update your blog readers -- I know that I am not alone in having been quite worried by the lack of posts. I have nothing to add to all the sound, concrete dvice already given, but will join in wishing your husband a speedy recovery and safe return home, and in wishing you continuing good health and time to rest!

I have been following you for quite a while, and feel finally compelled to offer a comment. I pray that both you and your husband find the strength and comforts that you need. I appreciate your efforts to keep us all posted, and will watch for more news as it appears.